Peace from panhandlers

Drivers getting hit up for money — whether from panhandlers, Little Leaguers, or firefighters holding boots — could become illegal under an ordinance put forward by City Manager Michael V. O’Brien.

Worcester residents have long tolerated “tag days,” when teams of people pop into and out of the street at intersections collecting for charity. We may grumble, and we may worry about the safety of the practice, but then the light turns green, we’re only a little poorer, and the friendly “shakedown” is soon forgotten.

Less benign are the sights of the down-and-out holding signs on corners and traffic islands.

Sometimes the panhandlers roam window to window, making idling drivers uncomfortable. The best way to end this sort of activity is for everyone to agree not to give cash, knowing it often goes for alcohol and drugs, keeping the problem going. But some will always give.

The manager has made a bold and appropriate move devising the ordinance.

It would be unlawful to solicit money from motorists while standing in a public way, walking in and out of traffic on a street, or standing in a traffic island. Violators would be fined $50.

Mr. O’Brien has been patient, last summer bringing in an outreach worker to connect panhandlers with resources such as health care, food, shelter or employment. In Worcester, such services are available, organized and well-funded, yet outreach efforts have had limited success. The panhandler problem has been increasing in recent months, particularly downtown.

There is also mounting frustration over findings that many panhandlers do receive taxpayer-funded services, and yet continue to pull in extra cash from drivers. But service providers cannot always control their clients’ behavior on the streets. That’s where the ordinance comes in.

An end to “tag days” is also prudent. Participants and motorists are generally watchful, but it would be devastating for a child or other participant to be hurt or killed during such a collection, and it is only fair to have a single set of rules for all.

A second proposed ordinance would put the brakes on aggressive begging in the city. We agree with that idea, too.

Any urban pedestrian knows they could be hit up for cash as they walk about, but this rule would make it illegal for the requests to cross certain lines: continuing to ask after receiving a negative response; touching the person being asked or their property; blocking their way; using violent or threatening gestures; or following behind, ahead of or alongside the person being solicited after receiving indication of an unwillingness to give.

As with the first ordinance, violators would be fined $50.

These ordinances are reasonable and considerate. Many who beg from motorists and others need more help than the coins, crumpled bills and attention they might receive. The outreach worker was a good idea; he should continue as long as practical to connect the aimless to assistance. But it is time to stop panhandling in Worcester, and to address aggressive soliciting.